Do you feel like biting into a dish that bursts with the rich, creamy taste of cashews?
That satisfying crunch followed by a smooth finish is a flavour sensation cherished in Indian cuisine. Cashews, or "kaju" as they're known in India, have been an integral part of Indian kitchens for centuries. From royal Mughlai curries to delightful desserts, cashews lend a distinct texture and flavour to a variety of dishes. Let’s explore six mouth-watering Indian creations where cashews take centre stage, adding that extra element of luxury and taste.
A rich, decadent dish, Cashew Korma is the perfect example of Indian culinary artistry. Korma, a traditional Mughlai dish, typically features vegetables cooked in a luscious sauce made from cashews, yogurt, and spices. The blend of roasted cashews with fragrant spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon creates a velvety, mildly sweet gravy. The creamy texture of ground cashews enhances the dish, making it perfect to pair with naan or rice. Each bite of Cashew Korma offers a symphony of flavours, with cashews being the star ingredient that brings it all together.
If you’ve ever been to an Indian celebration, you’ve probably encountered the beloved sweet treat Kaju Katli. This diamond-shaped delight, made with ground cashews and sugar, melts in your mouth with its smooth texture and rich taste. Kaju Katli is a hallmark of Indian festivals like Diwali and weddings, symbolizing sweetness and celebration. The recipe’s simplicity allows the cashews’ natural sweetness to shine, with a hint of cardamom for depth. Often adorned with a thin layer of silver leaf, Kaju Katli is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast.
Cashew Pulao is a fragrant rice dish where long-grain basmati rice is cooked with aromatic spices and topped with golden roasted cashews. The cashews add a delightful crunch and a buttery richness to the soft, flavourful rice. This dish is often prepared for special occasions, and it pairs wonderfully with rich gravies and curries. The contrast between the softness of the rice and the crispness of the cashews makes each bite a deliciously textured experience.
Pakoras are a staple Indian snack, often made with vegetables dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and fried until golden brown. But adding cashews to the mix brings a unique twist to this traditional treat. Cashew pakoras combine the crunch of fried batter with the rich flavour of roasted cashews, offering a satisfying snack perfect for tea time or rainy days. These crispy, nutty fritters are often served with tangy chutneys that enhance their flavour, making them a beloved snack across India.
Cashew Curry, or Kaju Masala, is a hearty vegetarian dish that uses cashews both as a base and a main ingredient. Whole cashews are simmered in a tomato and onion-based gravy, rich with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The cashews absorb the flavours of the spices while retaining their buttery richness, resulting in a curry that's creamy, nutty, and full of flavour. This dish is often served with roti or rice and is a favourite among those who appreciate the luxurious texture of cashews.
Cashew Halwa is a warm, rich dessert made from a mixture of ground cashews, sugar, milk, and ghee. This luscious dish is slow-cooked to perfection, creating a soft, pudding-like consistency with a nutty flavour. The rich aroma of cardamom adds warmth to the dish, making it a perfect dessert for winter evenings or festive celebrations. Served hot, cashew halwa is a comforting and indulgent dessert, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Cashews have found their way into the heart of Indian cuisine in diverse and delightful ways. The next time you want to savour something with a little crunch and a lot of flavour, remember these iconic Indian dishes where cashews truly shine.
